Liverpool Transfer News: Takumi Minamino is expected to sign with Monaco soon. The Reds accepted a proposal of €18 million (£15.5 million) for the Japan international.
Minamino struggled to establish himself in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup after arriving at the club in January 2020. He made just 55 appearances across all competitions. He spent the second half of the 2020–21 season on loan at Southampton.
However, the forward’s impact on Liverpool’s success since his arrival has been significant, notably last season. In the EFL Cup, he scored four goals and had one assist. In the FA Cup, he scored three goals. Both contests were won by the Reds.
In Liverpool’s 2019–20 Premier League championship victory, Minamino also had a small part. When he signed in January, the victory was all but assured. However, he played 10 league games to help them win the championship and receive a medal.
Liverpool Transfer News: Tribute to Minamino by the fans
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On social media, Liverpool supporters have praised Minamino for his efforts over the past 2.5 years. One supporter tweeted, “All the best Takumi – we wouldn’t have won the domestic cups without your crucial contributions.”
Another supporter wrote: “You contributed significantly to the squad and provided everything you had to offer. Thank you Takumi Minamino; best wishes to you.”
A number of clubs were apparently interested in Minamino, including Leeds, Fulham, and Wolves. However, Monaco won the race for his signature. He and the Ligue 1 team have reached a personal agreement, and he will soon finish a physical.
Minamino is now in Japan after playing matches against Paraguay, Brazil, Ghana, and Tunisia in June. Before the new European football season begins, Japan still has three matches to play against Hong Kong, China, and South Korea.
The Reds are making a profit on the Japanese international
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Liverpool will still profit from the sale of Minamino even though he never reached his full potential on Merseyside. When he transferred from the Austrian team Red Bull Salzburg to the Reds, they only paid £7.25 million, more than twice his original asking price.
Due to Klopp’s incredible front line, Minamino’s playing time at Anfield was constrained. Last season, the German had options like Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Divock Origi, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino, and Diogo Jota. Darwin Nunez will be in the Liverpool team after his high-profile transfer to Anfield, but Mane and Origi won’t be.
After five excellent years at Salzburg, Minamino will be eagerly anticipated by Monaco fans. In 135 league games between January 2015 and January 2020, he scored 42 goals and contributed 29 assists, helping them win the championship each year.
Minamino has previously stated that he wants to play regular football. In February 2021, Klopp referred to the 42-cap player as a “great talent” and a “long-term project.” Even if the latter is still the case, he won’t be playing for Liverpool going ahead.
